Advantech Launches Dual-node Short-depth 4U Chassis

Advantech, a IPC service provider that delivers industrial computing solutions, is launching the 4U, dual-node, short-depth (350mm), industrial chassis ACP-4D00 which is designed for high-end machine automation applications that require two computers in one piece of equipment for workload sharing or parallel computing.

The innovative dual-node architecture allows the user to install two half-size slot SBCs in two sub-systems and integrate them in a compact 4U cage. Each node supports a CPU card with desktop Core i processor, 6-slot backplane and up to 350W power supply so the computer node can be used for either traditional control applications or for high end CPU/GPU computing. For example, in an AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection) application, one node can be used for controlling camera, robotic arm movements, capturing image or sensor data, HMI, etc. while the other can be used for processing data and generating inspection results.

By adopting half-size slot SBC architecture, ACP-4D00 depth is only 350mm, making it easy to integrate into equipment enclosures and leaving more space for air flow, device placement, and cable routing. Tool-less design allows the user to pull out the sub-system, open its top-lid, or take out the system fan just by loosening thumb-screws; no screwdriver needed. This facilitates equipment maintenance, and equipment mean time to repair (MTTR) becomes shorter.

Each ACP-4D00 node supports a PICMG 1.3 or PCI half-size CPU card with computing power up to desktop Core i7, 6-slot backplane with maximum 3 PCIe or PCI expansion slots (3 slots are occupied by CPU card) and 250W or 350W high-efficiency 80 Plus power supply. The excellent thermal design ensures that high-end Core i7 processor and discrete GPU card run stably for intense data or image processing tasks.

There is one external 3.5” shock resistant drive bay in each sub-system; the user can choose to install one internal 3.5” hard drive or one Advantech IDT-3120 drive bay converter module in either or both sub-systems. Each IDT-3120 converter module provides two hot-swap 2.5” drive trays; this makes for easy maintenance and is handy for RAID 0/1 arrays. The drive bay itself is protected by four special-design rubber screws so storage device read/write speed remains normal even in a vibrating environment. This is important because many pieces of industrial equipment have moving parts such as cameras, robotic arms, conveyors, etc., that generate vibration.

Currently, Advantech offers two PICMG 1.3 CPU cards—PCE-3028 (Intel Q87), PCE-4128 (Intel C226), and three PICMG 1.3 backplanes—PCE-3B03-00A1E, PCE-3B06-00A1E, and PCE-3B06-03A1E, for use with ACP-4D00. The system configurations support the latest Intel 4th generation Core i processors, advanced PCIe Gen 3, or legacy PCI expansions. These should meet most computing performance and scalability requirements for today’s high-end machine automation applications.

ACP-4D00 is an ideal industrial chassis solution for high-end equipment builders, and will be available in December 2014.

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities